June 24th: Youth Empowerment Collaborative – Protecting Youth in a Digital World

Protecting Youth in a Digital World

A conversation on online safety, AI, sextortion, and protecting youth online

• Wednesday, June 24, 2026
• 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
• Wedgwood’s Garrett Conference Room (located on our Kentwood Campus)

Lunch will be provided for the first 35 attendees who RSVP.

The digital world is changing rapidly and so are the risks facing children and teens online.

Join the Youth Empowerment Collective (YEC) as we welcome speakers Robert English and Mark Fisher from the Michigan Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, a specialized program within the Michigan State Police dedicated to investigating and preventing the online exploitation of youth.

During this session, attendees will learn about:

• Keeping youth safe online
• Navigating internet safety in the age of AI
• Sextortion and social media risks
• How internet crimes involving minors are investigated
• Warning signs adults should be aware of
• Practical tools and prevention strategies for families and professionals

The Michigan ICAC Task Force is part of a national network of 61 coordinated task forces representing more than 4,500 agencies working collaboratively to combat online child exploitation and support community safety efforts.

As more children spend time online, the need for awareness, education, and proactive prevention continues to grow. This session will provide practical insights and real-world guidance to help adults better protect and support youth in today’s digital environment.

Whether you work directly with youth, support families, or simply want to better understand today’s online challenges, this conversation will equip you with valuable tools and knowledge to strengthen community response and youth safety.

Meet Your Speakers:

• Robert English (Michigan Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force)
• Mark Fisher (Michigan Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force)

 

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Youth Empowerment Collective offers community conversation and collaboration sessions, each centered around relevant topic and ways to empower youth in our community. Sessions are hosted at Wedgwood, with a virtual join option available.

2026 Event Dates

• • June 24th
  • November 11th

For more information & to be a part of the Youth Empowerment Collaborative, email Cathy at cracalla@wedgwood.org